Put a widow on the list who is older than 60 years old and who was faithful to her husband. She should have a reputation for doing good: raising children, providing hospitality to strangers, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in distress, and dedicating herself to every kind of good thing. But don’t accept younger widows for the list. When their physical desires distract them from Christ, they will want to get married. Then they will be judged for setting aside their earlier commitment. Also, they learn to be lazy by going from house to house. They are not only lazy, but they also become gossips and busybodies, talking about things they shouldn’t. So I want younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their homes so that they won’t give the enemy any reason to slander us. (Some have already turned away to follow Satan.) If any woman who is a believer has widows in her family, she should take care of them and not burden the church, so that it can help other widows who are truly needy. (1 Timothy 5:9-16, CEB)
This is some messed up stuff right here.
A widow is only a widow if they were faithful to their husband and are over 60. If they are younger then they really aren’t a widow, even if their husband is dead. This is a passage about control and power.
We are called to care for the orphan, widow, down trodden, foreigner, and sojourner, and never does Jesus put only help them if conditions are met. Love unconditionally.
This letter is attributed to Paul, but most biblical scholars will say it is not Paul.
We need to reclaim the actual Paul and the radical notions of equality and reformation of society he brought.
Loving People. Loving God
aSacredRebel 